Savda Ghevra: A community restored to life in 10 years

Entering Savda Ghevra slum colony, one can hardly imagine that barely ten years ago the same colony was an isolated, mosquito-infested, overgrown patch of land with no water, toilets, clinics, schools, roads or even public transport.

In April 2006, Thokar No. 8, the slum in which over hundreds of slum dwellers lived, was demolished by the government. With less than 24 hours’ notice, residents were forced to live by the roadside in make-shift tents with no food, water or sanitation. They faced the daily wrath of police trying to prevent them from protesting for their rights. The only support they had was from Asha.

Thokar No. 8 during the demolition (2006)

Dr Kiran, Asha’s Founder and Director, was determined that they would get justice. She lobbied with the politicians and organised food and water for the community in their time of need. Relief came at the end of three months, when each family was finally allocated a plot of 18 sq yards in Savda Ghevra, 30 km from Delhi.

Dr Kiran with the women at Thokar No. 8 (2006)

The land allotted to residents of Thokar No. 8, at Savda Ghevra (2006)

Today, the community boasts of plentiful developments that have taken place over the span of a decade. A walk into the interiors of Savda takes you through paved streets and clean surroundings with well-constructed multi-storied houses. There are four public schools and three community centres in the area. People are now able to access bank loans in order to finance for their various needs. Once isolated, Savda is now well connected to the main city by public transport.